The Maryland Softball Program welcomed five newcomers to the 2015-2016 squad. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be profiling each of them in our "Meet the Terp" series.
Sami Main is a freshman pitcher from Frederick, Maryland who walked on to the Maryland Softball team this fall. Sami helped lead her high school to their first ever Softball State Championship last spring, winning the final game on the field of the Maryland Softball Stadium. She was named the Frederick County Player of the Year for her efforts in 2015.
How has your first semester at Maryland been so far?
My first semester has been great. My transition from high school to college has been fairly smooth. Academics and athletics have both been challenging but certainly in a beneficial way. I have already developed better time management skills than I ever would have if I were not a student-athlete. I love this school thus far and I cannot wait to see what opportunities the next four years will bring.
What attracted you to the University of Maryland?
I have always wanted to attend the University of Maryland. The campus is beautiful, the people are genuine and have a lot of pride for the school, the athletic department is great, and most importantly, Maryland has one of the best reputations for phenomenal academics.
How was it been getting to know your teamates?
Everyone on the team is extremely welcoming. I know it is cliche when athletes refer to their team as their family but I feel as though it really is true with this team. I have already acquired a copious amount of helpful tips from the upperclassmen who are much more experienced than I am in both athletics and academics. I look forward to getting to know everyone even better as we continue into the off-season and get deeper into our regular season games.
What is your favorite memory from playing softball?
Because I have been playing the game so long, I have a lot of great memories from over the years. One that tops the charts for me though is winning the 2015 Maryland State Championship. We actually played the game on the University of Maryland's softball field and it was the first ever Softball State Championship victory in our school's history. It is certainly a memory that I will cherish forever.
How did you start playing pitcher?
At the same camp that I began playing softball, one of the stations was pitching. The camp staff taught me the basic fundamentals and I really enjoyed it. Over the years, I have found that pitching requires a very different and unique mentality in comparison to any other position on the field. Although I may not have consciously noticed that when I was just starting out, I think that was a major aspect that attracted me to the position.
Are you a good cook? What's your favorite thing to make?
I am more of a baker than a cook. I do like to fix eggs or a pasta dish every once in a while but my specialty is homemade cookies. I make chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin (Dad's favorite), peanut butter, Oreo balls, and of course my secret recipe cookies. I also get a lot of requests for a dessert that I call "Dirt".
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?
Time. Time is love, time is money, time is everything you could wish for in just one small word.
What is one thing you really like about yourself?
I like my persistence. I never give up. I always expect the best out of myself, and, it irritates me when I do not get it. I find that even if I first don't succeed, I try again until I achieve my goals and ultimately surpass my own standards. I would consider this to be one of my most valuable qualities.
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Movie: I don't really know. I guess Top Gun or maybe Shooter with Mark Wahlberg. But then again who doesn't like Cheaper by the Dozen. Oh, and The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy is a good laugh too.
Favorite Singer: Tim McGraw
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Restaurant: Minnie's Kitchen. We always joke that my grandma should open up a restaurant because her food tastes so good. Nothing tops her homemade German meals with the family.
Favorite Dessert: I love ice cream and anything chocolate.
